quepasameng: How to deal with my mom’s hoarding?
Yesterday we got rid of a lot of stuff. She thinks she has a use for everything. I was going to throw away a hello kitty notepad and she nearly broke down in tears saying that somebody could use it. She also refuses to get rid of cookbooks (though she never cooks). She also saves magazines dating back from the mid 80′, saying they have “recipes”. My mom’s solution to organization is to file everything. I have to destroy/shred nearly 2 31 gallon storage containers top to bottom of PAPER (bills, canceled checks, etc). Now she refuses to part with these huge storage bins that used to hold everything, that still take up the same space, that they did without all the stuff. What should I do, there is still alot to go, in terms of the house now!?
Another thing is she FILES everything. Stupid things, that are available online, or just old!
She is 51 I am the 3rd of 4 about to go to college.
Answers and Views:
Answer by manjyome_thunder
I guess it’s because of the sentimental value for the magazines and cookbooks. But I have no clue on why she would keep those large containers. For the mags, why doesn’t she cut the recipes out and paste it in a notebook or something?
You don’t say how old your mother is or why you need to do anything about it.
If it is her house and she is mobile then it is none of your business ,she can keep or throwaway anything she likes.Answer by Connie
Hoarding is considered a form of OCD, and a pretty successful form at that, since people who hoard don’t experience anxiety until their stuff is taken away. It is possible that your mother is replacing the loss of her children (to college and independent adult life), with things and possessions that she will never need or use. It is very difficult to deal with hoarders unless they themselves are motivated to change.
You might want to look at this website www.childrenofhoarders.com They have excellent information and ideas. Good luck to you.
Leave a Reply